Research Summary
Kununurra, Western Australia or Broome, Western Australia
Freshwater turtles in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia are arguably the least known of Australian turtles. Large gaps exist in the understanding of both the short-necked and long-necked species’ ecology and behavior. The ecological data you'll help gather on this expedition will guide future management considerations for these species, which somehow manage to survive even with the dramatic fluctuations of wet/dry seasons in northern Australia.
Meet the Scientists
Dr. Nancy Fitzsimmons
Senior Lecturer in Biology, Institute for Applied Ecology
University of Canberra, Australia
Dr. Fitzsimmons uses genetic markers in her research to address questions of gene flow, mating systems, and evolution. Her particular interests are in the conservation biology of turtles and crocodiles and on the genetic structures of small populations.
Dr. Tony Tucker
Staff Scientist, Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida, USA